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Pats Peak plans expansion to celebrate 50th year in operation

By Paula Tracy, Escape Outside Editor

Published On: Feb 26 2013 09:26:43 AM EST

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HENNIKER, N.H. -

To celebrate its 50th year in operation under the ownership of the Patenaude family, Pats Peak Ski Area officials announced it will expand the ski area with 20 new acres of terrain and a lift, beginning next season.

“Operation Cascade Basin” planned over the next three years will see the addition of a new triple chairlift and up to six trails and glades, according to a press release.

This summer will be the busiest as the mountain operations crew will be installing a high-capacity triple chairlift and unveiling at least four new trails in time for the 2013-2014 season.

This is a completely new section of the mountain that has never been skied before and offers an easterly exposure, giving Pats Peak some of the most sunny slopes in the state.

“Operation Cascade Basin” has been in the planning and permitting stage for the last two years and received its final permits this past fall. Following this summer’s construction, additional terrain will be added in future years.

Skiers and riders have enjoyed a sneak peek of some of the future offerings with the debut of the Backdraft trail this season.

Kris Blomback, Pats Peak general manage said the new triple chairlift will open up a whole new dimension of skiing and riding oriented toward novice and intermediate skiers and riders.

Experts will have a couple of glades to choose from, including one with snowmaking coverage.

"It’s very important to keep our product exciting and fresh. Opportunities available in the future in the new area include the possibility of an additional terrain park as well as expanded night skiing,” Blomback said.

“An added benefit to this is that we can keep some key personnel working during the summer months. We are a good old fashioned Yankee operation and we try to build as much as we can in-house. We will dovetail local talent and contractors when needed. This helps the region and our local economy. A project of this size requires us to hire welders, masons, surveyors, equipment operators and a host of others. Our core employee base during the winter months will also be expanded,” Blomback said.